Kidnapped in Mexico - A Shocking Story of Survival

A recent CNN article tells the shocking story of Shane Andersen, an American businessman who was kidnapped and held captive for ransom while living in Monterrey, Mexico.

Andersen was held captive for 36 hours by three masked gunmen who kidnapped him and a co-worker as they were about to embark on a fishing trip on their day off outside of Monterrey. “You just don’t know what second is your last second. It changes your whole life. When you don’t know if you’ll live through it, you’ll live life differently,” Andersen says. “I knew God was with me and I needed to be listening to Him.”

Through various circumstances of meeting a young Mexican boy who helped him and giving the kidnappers both ransom money and his wife’s expensive wedding ring, Andersen was able to narrowly escape with his life.

Until 2005, Monterrey was considered to be one of Mexico’s safer cities. However, in 2010, the city began to change.“...Parts of (Monterrey) turned into a cartel battleground where grenade attacks, shootouts and kidnappings dominated headlines”. Mexico was listed as the country with the most reported kidnappings for ransom in 2013, according to Control Risks.

Andersen had been practicing ways to stay safe in case he ever was kidnapped while living in Mexico. When he was taken captive, he used skills to track where he was by the sun’s position. After escaping from his kidnappers, Andersen says he would only ever go back to the busy tourist areas of Mexico. “Most places I would avoid, especially along the border,” he stated.

Here at ClearCause, we urge you to educate and equip yourself before traveling overseas. Download our ASAPP SOS app today to keep yourself safe and look into various insurance policies including ransom insurance.

One of the most important things about the ASAPP SOS app is that it has a “follow me” feature which enables the student to self-select emergency contacts (parents, program, insurance company, peers, etc). Through GPS, the follow-me feature tracks the students’ smartphone in real time, whenever they want to make others aware of their location. This feature is perfect for students traveling in foreign countries to let their loved ones know where they are. One touch of the “I’m Safe” button will let concerned parents, know their son or daughter is safe.

Why wouldn’t you use every tool to keep yourself safe and secure as you study abroad? The “follow me” feature of our ASAPP SOS app can help loved ones and police find you quickly in case you are kidnapped or harmed. Download the free ASAAP SOS app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Study Abroad Destination London - Learn to Stay Safe As You Travel

Did you know London is one of the most popular study abroad locations? A city overflowing with history, literature, art and business, London is an amazing place to host your study abroad experience. According to Studyabroad.com, over 58,000 students choose to study abroad in London from all around the world each year. Find out why so many students choose to study here!

London, the capital of beautiful Great Britain, has been an influential city for centuries as a leader in business. The principal business center of Europe, London is becoming the world’s second financial capital and is home to more than 100 of Europe’s 500 largest companies.  

A rich, thriving history dwells within London for you to explore. Study the work of amazing artists, thinkers and writers, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, Sir Isaac Newton and Francis Bacon. Learn about Britain's royals, as well as Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

Art students should visit the Tate Modern Gallery, the world-famous National Gallery and the Louvre of London, Waddesdon Manor. History lovers can’t miss the British Museum, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theater and St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. See the city from the top of the London Eye, or take a boat tour down the River Thames. Visit the London Dungeons or go on a Harry Potter or Jack the Ripper tour. Visit Abbey Road and Piccadilly Circus - the list goes on and on and on!

Stonehenge is just two hours outside of London, and the ancient Roman baths aren’t far from this magnificent city either. Low-cost airlines from London can take you all over Europe and the rest of the world! Check out Fly For Good for discounted student airfare, and remember to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Tips to StaySafe as you explore London:

• Download the free ASAPP Checklist to prepare for your adventure!
• Study abroad? Alcohol is involved! Learn how to drink responsibly to keep yourself safe as you spend time overseas.
• Keep your belongings in sight at all times.
• When traveling in Europe, know that buildings are centuries old. Windows and balconies are not often safe.  
• Be aware of where you are at all times - muggings and kidnappings happen often in Europe.
• Download the ASAPP S.O.S. app from the Apple store or Google Play.
• GRO●UP – Travel in Groups, designate a sober buddy, use a breathalyzer, guard your drinks!
• Know the emergency services phone numbers (999 or 112) for police, ambulances and the fire department.
• Get Insured with STUcard!
• Don't expect fire safety in your apartment or dorm - bring a portable alarm and have an escape plan.
• Remember that cars in the U.K. drive on the left side of the road, so watch traffic carefully as you cross the street and only cross at designated crosswalks.
• Safety is NOT an Accident

Study Abroad? Alcohol is involved!

Did you know an estimated 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries each year? According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 80 percent of college students drink alcohol. The Institute reports an estimated 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape each year. An estimated 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured each year under the influence of alcohol.

GRO-UP: Safety is NOT an Accident!

Alcohol has also been a factor in many tragic deaths occurring in study abroad programs within the past few years. We at ClearCause have come up with GRO-UP, a model to help you stay safe as you travel the world! Drink responsibly as you study abroad - safety is NOT an accident!

• Travel in groups! Never go out to drink alone. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

• Designate one or two sober friends to safeguard three of you as you go out. These friends can stay alert and aware of your situation and surroundings at all times to keep you away from any potentially dangerous situations.

• Do not leave intoxicated friends alone in a bar, on the street, or in a dorm room. Make sure your group sticks together!

• Guard your drinks and food. Be smart about this - don’t leave your drink unguarded as you go to the bathroom or hit the dance floor. Someone could easily slip something into your drink to harm you. If the bartender is handing you a drink, get it directly from them and don’t let it get passed down the line. Guard your drink to guard yourself.

• Don’t ever take a drink from someone you don’t know. StaySafe!

Alcohol Poisoning Can Kill

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly consequence of  drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute), irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature or passing out. Read more about alcohol poisoning and prevention on the Mayo Clinic’s website.

What if you suspect either you or a friend has alcohol poisoning?

• Call 911 immediately! Be prepared to tell the hospital the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank and don’t leave an unconscious person alone.
• As you wait for help, you can assist a person who is vomiting by trying to keep him or her sitting up. If they must lie down, make sure their head is turned to the side to prevent choking on vomit. Try to keep the person awake.

StaySafe As You Travel For Spring Break

With Spring Break right around the corner, we at ClearCause wanted to give you a few safety tips to help you make the most of your vacation while still staying safe. Check out our tips below!

1. Going to the beach? Do you know what rip currents are?

Rip currents are the  most dangerous hazard for all who love the beach. The National Weather Service’s website on Rip Current Safety define them as “narrow, fast-moving belts of water traveling offshore”. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to see. Over 100 drownings occur every year in the United States due to rip currents.

It may be a rip current if you see a break in the incoming wave pattern, a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward, an area having a notable difference in water color or a channel of churning or choppy water.

The National Weather Service website gives the following advice if you are caught in a rip current:

1. Remember to remain calm to reserve energy and think clearly.
2. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, and don’t fight the current.
3. If you can’t swim out of the rip current, float or tread water calmly.
4. Draw attention to yourself by facing the shore, waving your arms and yelling for help.

If you see someone else caught in a rip current, get help from a lifeguard or call 911. Throw the rip current victim a floatation device and yell instructions on how to get out. Many people drown by trying to get someone else out of a rip current.

2. Drink Responsibly!

Many tragic accidents and deaths result from drinking irresponsibly. If you choose to drink, these basic tips can help you stay safe over spring break:

• Go out in a group and stick together. Too often, tragic accidents happen to individuals who don’t stick with their group. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
• Designate one or two sober friends to safeguard three of you. These friends can stay alert and aware of your situation and surroundings at all times to keep you away from any potentially dangerous situations.
• DO NOT leave intoxicated friends alone in a bar, on the street, or in a dorm room. Make sure your group sticks together!
• Guard your drinks and food. Be smart about this - don’t leave your drink unattended. Someone could easily slip something into your drink that could harm you. If the bartender is handing you a drink, get it directly from them and don’t let it get passed down the line. Guard your drink to guard yourself.
• Don’t ever take a drink from someone you don’t know.

3. Don’t Post Too Much Spring Break Info on Social Media

Be cautious about sharing too much information about where you are over spring break on your social media profiles. This information can easily be accessed by anyone. Avoid situations where someone could take advantage of you. The Rape Abuse Incest National Network has some great tips on keeping your privacy safe on Facebook, Twitter and Internet browsers.

4. Get StuCard Travel Insurance

Even if you’re only gone for a few days, StuCard Travel Insurance can help keep you safe if your travels are organized by an educational institute or club. Buy StuCard travel insurance - for about $1 a day with toll free help 24/7. StuCard’s multi-trip travel insurance is underwritten by Travel Guard, the premier travel insurance company in the U.S. with over 25 years of experience and 6 million travelers every year.

5. Got Vaccines?

You absolutely need to get vaccines if you are traveling abroad for spring break. Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (a Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had their necessary inoculations or medical tests required to enter the country.

Check out the State Department’s website for country specific information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can provide you their recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad.

We hope everyone has a wonderful and SAFE spring break! Do you have any additional StaySafe tips you would like to add? We would love to hear from you! Please comment below.

Crisis in Ukraine: Study Abroad Programs Begin to Evacuate Students

An Inside Higher Ed article reported at least two study abroad programs have begun to evacuate students from Ukraine as political crisis escalates. The State Department’s Travel Warning issued on February 28 needs to be taken seriously. The warning called Americans to defer all “non-essential travel to Ukraine and noted that Peace Corps volunteers left the country on Feb. 25,” the article reported.

“All U.S. citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel to Ukraine, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of political instability and the possibility of violence,” the warning reads.

Ukrainian universities host a large number of international students each year. The Institute of International Education statistics reported 131 American students studied abroad in Ukraine in 2011-2012. A number of American universities have study-abroad programs planned for spring and summer 2014 in Ukraine. Due to recent political turmoil, however, Iowa State University has canceled its summer program in Russia and Ukraine. Other programs are following suit. Students from the the Eastern European Study Abroad program have already been evacuated from Ukraine for safety reasons.

The State Department urges U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest travel updates and to obtain updated information on security within Ukraine.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Before going abroad, it is vital you research the country you will be in to have an evacuation plan in place if an emergency arises. Studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime, but it's not something worth losing your life over. You are your best safety advocate.

Safety Tips To Be Safe Not Sorry

A Huffington Post article by blogger and traveler Stephanie Be has some great tips to keep you safe as you study abroad! It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and getting advice from others who have traveled can help keep you safe as you adventure!

 Here are five great safety tips from Stephanie:

1. Keep the address to your accommodation.

In both English and the native tongue written in both your phone's notes (or snap a photo) and in a little notebook (phone batteries die). Everyone in your group should do this as reality is, you might lose your friends.

2. Get travel insurance and register with S.T.E.P.

If your insurance doesn't already cover you overseas. I know heaps of people (usually British for some reason) who get injured overseas and have to head home or pay medical costs up front. Register with S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)

3. If you  think you are being followed as you’re walking somewhere.

Stop to ask security or a public place for help. You can walk into a hotel that's not yours to ask for help. Whatever you do, don't walk to where you're staying.

4. Keep money in more than one location.

You won’t lose everything in case you’re robbed or pickpocketed.

5.  Pay the $20 - $40 to get an international sim card.

You can pop this into your iPhone and have internet everywhere. Google Maps you will generally show you where a cab is taking you and Google Translate can help you ask locals questions.

Here are five more safety tips from us at ClearCause to keep you safe!

6. Always be aware of your surroundings

No matter where you are, be extra cautious and aware as you explore during your study abroad trip. Make sure you always know where you are as you travel. Stay one step ahead of pickpockets and thieves by keeping your stuff secure. Try not to give off a “tourist” vibe - this draws unwanted attention to you. Be cautious in giving personal information away in casual conversation with people you may have just met. Keep local emergency information with you at all times, in case of potential dangerous situations.

7. Stay updated on Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings

The State Department Travel Website regularly posts Travel Warnings to warn you to postpone travel to certain countries due to civil unrest, dangerous conditions, terrorist activity, or sometimes because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations within the country and may not be able to assist you in time of need. Travel Alerts send out information about terrorist threats or other short-term conditions that could be a risk to you and your travel plans. This information is crucial - keep yourself educated!

8. Copy your Travel Documents

Make two copies of your travel documents in case of emergency or if your valuable documents are lost or stolen as you travel! You can leave a copy of your travel documents with a friend or family member at home. Someone should always know exactly where you are staying at all times and how to contact you if need be. You can carry the other copy of your documents with you, but stored separately from your original documents. Prepare for the worst so you aren’t caught off-guard!

9. Get Vaccinated

Did you know some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (a Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had their necessary inoculations or medical tests required to enter the country? This is something you need to know. Check out the State Department’s website for country specific information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can provide you their recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad.

10. Prepare for Emergency

Before going abroad, you should have the number of the U.S. Embassy in your designated country. Find out where the closest U.S. Embassy may be on the State Department’s website. If your family needs to get ahold of you in case of an emergency back home, they can call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). The State Department will get the message to the consular officers in the country where you are.  The consular officers will then locate you, pass on any urgent messages, and, if you wish, report back to your family in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Use these tips or pass them onto loved ones who will be traveling soon. We promise it will be worth it.

Bates College Student Killed By Train While Studying Abroad in Rome

A 21-year old Bates College student was tragically killed by a train during his study abroad trip to Italy, a FOX news article reported. Italian authorities released this information on Saturday, February 22, 2014.

John Nolen Durkin, of Rye, N.H., was a junior studying economics at Bates and a linebacker on the school’s football team. John was last seen in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 20, in Campo de’ Fiori. A passenger on a train saw his body a few hours later in a tunnel between stations, near the Vatican and Trastervere neighborhood in central Rome, the article reported.

John’s family released the following statement through Bates College: “It is with much sadness that the Durkin family informs you of the loss of John Nolen Durkin and thanks everyone for their support during the past few days.”

John was one of six Bates College students studying abroad through Trinity College in Connecticut. A CNN article reported John had been in Rome for a little over a month as part of a semester-long program.

"The Bates football family is deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and teammate John Durkin," Mark Harriman, the Bates head football coach said in a statement, as reported by FOX. "John's commitment to excellence in all phases of his life was inspiration to the other members of the squad and a major factor in the team's success over the past three years.”

"This is a time of deep sadness for our community and for so many people who knew and loved John. We are profoundly sad and share the tremendous grief of his family,"  Bates College President Clayton Spencer said in a statement, as reported by FOX.

ClearCause founder Sheryl Hill recommends that students studying abroad designate a sober buddy to make sure everyone gets home safely and no one is left alone in a pub, on a street, in a taxi or in an apartment. "This is a tragic ending to John's life," she said. "He deserves further investigation."